The Global Learning Living Community (GLLC) brings together students from around the world and across the United States who share a passion for cultural exchange, global engagement and becoming responsible global citizens. This year, 54 students representing 16 countries call the GLLC home, creating a truly global community right here at UD. Among them is a new graduate assistant, Zach Blackmon, whose international background has shaped his passion for connecting with people from different cultures and creating meaningful experiences for others.
As the GLLC graduate assistant, Zach will help facilitate programs, local excursions and opportunities for student residents to build connections while exploring what it means to live and learn in a global community- without leaving Dayton.
Zach’s path to the University of Dayton has taken him across continents. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international business and operations management with minors in marketing and fashion studies. During his undergraduate years, he also studied abroad in South Africa, Dubai, South Korea and Italy, experiences that gave him new perspectives inside and outside the classroom.
When Zach began exploring graduate study opportunities, UD was already on his mind. A family member had shared how much she enjoyed her time at the University, but the GLLC graduate assistant position made UD feel like an especially good fit.
“When I read the description of what the role would entail, I felt like it was pulling me in,” Zach said. “I thought, what if I could take the past experiences I’ve had overseas and put them into practice?”
Now, Zach hopes to create those same meaningful experiences for GLLC residents. Whether he is bringing international and domestic students together for conversation, introducing them to new parts of the Dayton area or helping residents get to know one another, he wants the GLLC to be a place where students feel welcomed, connected and excited to learn from one another.
That vision is already taking shape as Zach and the resident assistant welcomed residents to campus with an ice cream social at Ben & Jerry’s. Next, they will lead the annual off-campus retreat, where residents will build connections, challenge their intercultural and leadership skills and gain experiences that will stay with them beyond the GLLC. Zach hopes to spark curiosity, encourage students to step outside their comfort zones and make global learning an everyday part of life at UD.